Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Imaging

With convenient locations and expanded hours, the Centegra Gavers Breast Center, located in Crystal Lake, offers 3-D mammograms, breast ultrasound and breast MRI imaging. Gavers is the hub for the Centegra Comprehensive Breast Program. Mammograms also are available in Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock.

The goal of the physicians and providers at Centegra Health System is to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Screening recommendations

Studies have shown that, when detected early, the chance for successful treatment of breast cancer is nearly 100 percent. That is why Centegra Health System encourages all women age 40 and older to get annual screening mammograms.

Annual screening mammograms five to 10 years before the age of the youngest affected close relative or age 40, whichever comes first

Additional imaging with a breast MRI annually

Clinical breast exams twice a year

Breast cancer screening

Breast self-exam: Starting in their 20s, monthly breast self-exams help women learn how their breasts look and feel so they are able to detect changes early.

Clinical breast exam: A physician or health provider performs a visual and manual examination of the breasts to check for abnormalities in size or shape, changes in the skin or nipples or lumps in the tissue.

Mammograms: Centegra physicians use 3-D and digital mammography to evaluate changes in the breast. Results are typically available within 48 hours.

3-D mammography: Also known as tomosynthesis, 3-D mammography captures multiple images of the breast at different angles creating a 3-D image for precise analysis. This advanced technology finds more invasive cancer than traditional mammograms and reduces the number of callbacks for further imaging and false positives.

Breast MRI: For some women at high risk for breast cancer, a screening MRI is recommended in addition to a yearly mammogram. MRI is not recommended as a screening test for women at average risk for breast cancer.

Breast ultrasound: For patients with dense breast tissue, ultrasound imaging may be recommended.

Minimally invasive biopsies

Lumps or masses in the breast are not unusual, and most are not cancer.

Ultrasound and stereotactic biopsies are minimally invasive ways to remove cells from a suspicious area in the breast. Using ultrasounds or X-ray guidance, a hollow needle is precisely guided to the correct location to remove small samples of tissue from the breast. The procedures are safe and accurate with minimal bleeding and little to no scarring. Most patients return to work and resume ordinary activities the next day.

What to do before a biopsy?

Before a biopsy, you should tell your physician:

All medications you are taking, including herbal supplements

Any allergies

Any recent illnesses or other medical conditions

If there is the potential you could be pregnant

Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners or certain herbal supplements for three to seven days before your biopsy to decrease your risk of bleeding.

On the day of the exam:

Eat a light meal

Wear a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit

Bring or wear a comfortable bra

Do not use deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts

Do not wear earrings or necklaces

Schedule your mammogram

Mammograms are available in Crystal Lake, Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock. Call 815-334-5566 to schedule your mammogram at any location or fill out the form below, and one of our scheduling Associates will contact you.

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Medical Records Release Form

Patients sometimes need their records transferred from one facility to another. Our authorization form is printable and will allow our staff to connect with the previous facility to receive these records. Please fax the completed and signed form to 815-759-8097, and we will take care of the rest.